The Zero Client concept is an evolution of the Thin Client computing model that takes Shared-Resource Computing to the next level. Zero Clients are the modern equivalent of workstation terminals and have no independent hardware processing facilities. Through multiple zero clients, many users can be simultaneously connected to a single server, leveraging the abundant computing power and flexibility provided by today’s mainstream systems. In contemporary zero client implementations, the end user experience is often bandwidth dependant since each Zero Client requires video, audio, and data connections.

Before the speed and flexibility of USB 3.0, Zero Clients utilized USB 2.0 or Ethernet, and frequently offered inferior multimedia capabilities and a degraded user experience. Visitors to CES can see a zero client based on the new USB 3.0 standard which offers massive bandwidth capacity with a full portfolio of VIA Labs USB 3.0 Superspeed controllers. Through USB 3.0, several client terminals can now simultaneously enjoy a full user experience including HD multimedia.

“The zero client concept exemplifies the benefits that higher bandwidth USB 3.0 technologies can offer,” said Gibson Chen, Vice President of Sales at VIA Labs, Inc. “USB 3.0 based zero clients can enjoy a full and immersive PC experience simultaneously across several client stations thanks to the far greater data throughput that our leading USB 3.0 controllers offer.”

The VIA Labs USB 3.0 Portfolio

VIA labs is the only company in the world to have a complete USB 3.0 solution with host, hub and device controller products that are quickly setting industry standards. With an emphasis on delivering leading bandwidth performance while also pursing aggressive power-savings, VIA Labs is paving the way forward for new applications and devices in the broader electronics industry.

The VIA VL810 Hub Controller: The industry’s first USB 3.0 hub controller, the VIA VL810 is a highly integrated, single chip solution provides maximum data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps, or ten times the throughput available to USB 2.0 based devices. Enables up to four USB devices to be connected to a single downstream port of a host or hub. For more details please visit: www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=42p

The VIA VL700 USB 3.0 to SATA Controller: A highly integrated single chip solution that allows users to connect any SATA hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), and optical disc drive (ODD) devices to their PC over USB 3.0. Details can be found here: www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=46